NF&G Broom Busters 2016
Many Thanks go out to the Broom Busting Crew for their hard work and dedication in controlling the spread of broom on Nanaimo Fish and Game Protective Association (NF&G) property. The function of trying to prevent the NF&G property from being over taken by this stubborn and invasive plant is a long ongoing project. Left unchecked it displaces native and beneficial plants, causing loss of grassland and open forest. It aggressively spreads to form mono-cultures, replacing desirable forage grasses and young trees. Seeds are toxic to livestock and horses. The logging of the property has created an ideal environment for the Broom to propagate and efforts must be made to keep it in check until such time as the forest is re-established.
This project, like many undertaken can only be managed and maintained with the dedication and efforts of member volunteers. Sad to say but the NF&G like many other organizations is suffering from a lack of volunteers to man the many projects and functions required to ensure the longevity and possibly, future of the association. Quite simply the annual dues we pay do not cover off all the costs of running and maintaining an organization such as NF&G. Looking at the Broom Busters 2016 photograph, some not in the picture but in the kitchen or behind the camera, the faces are easy to recognize. You may not know the names but anyone who has been remotely involved with the NF&G may recognize them as – NF&G executives, the kitchen staff, grounds maintenance, painters, political liaison, directors, grant writers, purchasing agents, grant coordinators, function set up crew, range officer, cleanup crew, carpenter, event organizer, rental coordinator, and on and on……. These dedicated few wear many hats.
The average age of the dedicated members in this photo is seventy plus, they have for many years been doing a great deal of the heavy lifting to ensure NF&G remains relevant and recognized as such within the greater community. The need for each of us to help out has never been greater than it is today and unless we as members step up will only become more evident with each passing year. Each member has a certain allegiance to a particular Division under the greater umbrella of the NF&G but must recognize that we are here and benefit greatly because of our affiliation with the greater organization.
NF&G is most certainly more than the sum of the individual parts (Divisions) and as such needs the support of all members. One can volunteer and support a Division but hopefully would set time aside to volunteer in a function or work party, which is in the interest of the greater organization and may not appear to be of direct benefit to the Division.
The Broom Busters and many others with in the NF&G would most certainly appreciate any and all assistance one could give. A great deal of time is not being asked for; quite simply a couple of hours per month on average would go a long way to easing the load and improving the health and ensuring the future of the Nanaimo Fish and Game Protective Association.